Had a question for the forums in regards to oil. I tried searching and tried Google but did not have much luck. I keep reading about everyone using "German" Castrol oil in their 135's. I went to my dealer and picked up and oil change kit and it matches what BMW recommends for our cars:

This oil says right on the back label that is is MADE IN USA with foreign and domestic products. I can't seem to find any information on who makes this (if is still Castrol), and if it is group 3 or 4 synthetic oil. Also, it would be nice to know why BMW is using this instead of the "German" Castrol.

Anyone know any of these answers or could point me in the right direction? I am doing an oil change tomorrow and sending a sample out to BlackStone Labs for an oil analysis. I am curious as to how well this oil is holding up and what type of wear my motor has from the previous owner.

You want to use the correct oil (LL-rating) because the Nikasil coatings in the cylinderwalls (and piston rings) can wear when you use the wrong rated oils. This is why I (pay more) and use an LL-4 rated oil in my US Spec 135i that I feed it German low sulfur fuel.

This is what the BMW oil looks like sold at German BMW Zentrums (dealers). This oil sells for 22 to 33 euros PER liter at the dealership. You can find it online in Germany for as little as 6 euros though.

Here are the three oils that most dealers stock. Normal NA engine oil, LL-4 full synthtic oil (like what you need for a N54/N55 engine) and the Castrol TWS (S65 M3) oil...

This is what the German made Castrol oil (Castrol RS Edge, LL-4 0w40, 5L jug)looks like sold at many parts stores and grocery stores over here. The price varies from 70 to 110 euros for a five liter jug. You can find teh same oil online for as little as 40 euros for 5L's.

The older 5L bottle...

And now castrol has replaced the Castrol RS Edge oil with thier new Cstrol Edge FST oil.

hmmm, I put 6.5 last time about a month and 1000 miles ago. my oil sensor still shows full at the mark.

I stopped at 6 qts, let the car run for a few minutes and checked the level. It showed completely full according to the sensor page in iDrive. The filter was changed as well, so it concerns me that the sensor may be reading incorrectly.

I stopped at 6 qts, let the car run for a few minutes and checked the level. It showed completely full according to the sensor page in iDrive. The filter was changed as well, so it concerns me that the sensor may be reading incorrectly.

The sensor may not show a "low" oil reading until it gets below 2 qts. The correct oil change with filter should be 7 qts.

Guys the electronic dip stick is kind of a dumbed down version of the real thing. I think its only a rough guide to the actual oil level. Basically to warn you when the oil is really low. When it is over filled... the gauge will not show that. Once I put in 7 liters and it still read full. So I don't really trust it for micro metering. I only use it as a guide. This is yet another reason to change one's oil frequently. I don't like not knowing how much oil is ACTUALLY in the sump! Wish BMW would give us our dip sticks back!

Dackel

When changing your own oil - I would just dump in 6.5 liters or 7 quarts and let things be.

This weekend I was in Munchen for the Welt 3.0 Meeting/car show... while I was there I stopped by the factory run BMW dealer down the street from the Welt. I took some pics of the factory motor oils that BMW sells here in Germany.

About $39 USd per liter! An oil change at the dealer will run you close to 300 euros!

Normally here is what an oil change costs at a German dealer...

7L oil 29.38 times 7 = 206 euros
oil filter 12 euros
labor rate is atleast 120 euros per hour. Lets say 60 euros for a quick oil change or one hours labor IF you want a service, where they check the fluids and air pressures. lol

Oil change at the dealer cost 278 euros or $367! For a big city like Munchen I would not besurprised IF they charge over 300 euros since I bet their labor rate per hour is more than my little city I live in!

And ofcourse MOST Germans pay the dealer to do ALL the services while the car is under warranty bc without that covered dealer service stamp... their garranty is null und void. SO... everyone pays up for the service and the stamp.

And ohh... you say you also need a service loaner? No problem... thats another 30 euros per day PLUS fuel! Fuel cost $9 per gallon over here.

About $39 USd per liter! An oil change at the dealer will run you close to 300 euros!

Normally here is what an oil change costs at a German dealer...

7L oil 29.38 times 7 = 206 euros
oil filter 12 euros
labor rate is atleast 120 euros per hour. Lets say 60 euros for a quick oil change or one hours labor IF you want a service, where they check the fluids and air pressures. lol

Oil change at the dealer cost 278 euros or $367! For a big city like Munchen I would not besurprised IF they charge over 300 euros since I bet their labor rate per hour is more than my little city I live in!

And ofcourse MOST Germans pay the dealer to do ALL the services while the car is under warranty bc without that covered dealer service stamp... their garranty is null und void. SO... everyone pays up for the service and the stamp.

And ohh... you say you also need a service loaner? No problem... thats another 30 euros per day PLUS fuel! Fuel cost $9 per gallon over here.

About $39 USd per liter! An oil change at the dealer will run you close to 300 euros!

Normally here is what an oil change costs at a German dealer...

7L oil 29.38 times 7 = 206 euros
oil filter 12 euros
labor rate is atleast 120 euros per hour. Lets say 60 euros for a quick oil change or one hours labor IF you want a service, where they check the fluids and air pressures. lol

Oil change at the dealer cost 278 euros or $367! For a big city like Munchen I would not besurprised IF they charge over 300 euros since I bet their labor rate per hour is more than my little city I live in!

And ofcourse MOST Germans pay the dealer to do ALL the services while the car is under warranty bc without that covered dealer service stamp... their garranty is null und void. SO... everyone pays up for the service and the stamp.

And ohh... you say you also need a service loaner? No problem... thats another 30 euros per day PLUS fuel! Fuel cost $9 per gallon over here.

You know...

I once considered Germany to be a place I would love to live one day. You, sir, have completly changed my mind... and I thank you. lmao. Those prices wouldnt fly in the US. For a regualr commercial vehicle us Americans (not me, just the general population) will kick their feet and demand a manager is they wait more than 20 minutes to have their oil changed and/or if it cost more than 15 US dollars. The difference amazes me...